Gates worry councillor

ORILLIA - Security gates will prevent public access to new, taxpayer-funded docks at the Port of Orillia, Coun. Michael Fogarty says.
“It doesn’t make sense to invest this kind of money in a project and then limit access to the people who are paying it,” said Fogarty, quoting the project’s $2.5 million price tag.
In 2008 council turned down a request from the port’s operator, the chamber of commerce, for security gates, citing concerns over the loss of access to a public area.
The design for new docks planned for the waterfront marina includes security gates, city staff discovered while reviewing the drawings.
The gates were supported by a majority of council when the issue was raised at committee this week.
“The bottom line is, they are protecting the boaters and they are only going to be locked … at night until the morning,” said Coun. Paul Spears.
The gates would be open and the public allowed on the docks when port staff are on duty and during the off-season, Coun. Tony Madden said.
“Who needs to be down at the docks at dark?” said Madden.
Entry will be restricted to key holders after port staff has left for the evening.
Coun. Pete Bowen said the added security measure could help to attract additional boaters.
“It is well documented that those boaters sometimes get off their boat and spend money in our community,” Bowen said.
Fogarty was alone in arguing against the measure.
“There is no need for it,” he said. “People aren’t getting held up. Boats aren’t getting broken into.”
Fogarty said it was “somewhat depressing that we are actually thinking about this,” adding that the majority of boaters who visit the port are there temporarily.
“For the most part, people would be on their boats during the time that the gates would be locked,” he added.
Eliminating gates from the design would bring a small savings, staff said.